For 67 years, Eurovision has been delighting – and horrifying – music followers throughout Europe – and in addition, considerably unaccountably Australia.
The occasion has been operating since 1956, and – bar a 2020 absence attributable to Covid – it has change into synonymous with eccentricity, catchy pop tunes and ‘nil factors’.
This yr is not any completely different – with Saturday seeing the nation gear up the ultimate, which is being held in Liverpool on behalf of final yr’s winner’s Ukraine.
Hosted by Alesha Dixon and Graham Norton, the occasion will see 26 international locations compete for the prize, with Sweden being the bookies favorite.
A win would put them degree with Eire on the high of the all-time winners record with seven triumphs.
The competitors will open with final yr’s Ukrainian winners Kalush Orchestra and a strong efficiency titled Voices of a New Technology.
In case you might be late getting in on the act, Femail brings you the zaniest and wackiest entries that it’s essential know… in addition to a few of the most cringeworthy.
Croatia: Most eccentric act
Let 3 of Croatia performs through the semifinal of the Eurovision Music Contest in Liverpool – of their pants
If you will be careful for one band this last, make it Croatia. With their pink clothes, navy hats and faux moustaches, they’re sure to entertain
Tthis is nothing Eurovision loves greater than eccentric acts. This yr, the band who takes the mantle must be Croatia’s Let 3, a punk-rock band from Rijeka performing their anti-war anthem Mama ŠČ.
The band of 5 has been collectively since 1987 and are identified for his or her unique strategy to music and obscene dwell performances.
This music mocks dictators and makes references to tractors – thought to reference the actual fact Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko gifted Putin a tractor for his seventieth birthday.
The music additionally mentions crocodiles and psychopaths and goes from chanting to screaming, with the band members wearing navy garbs, faux moustaches, lipstick and tight trousers. Not one to be missed.
Austria: Most weird music lyrics
Teya & Salena of Austria carry out at this yr’s contest. Their lyrics are among the many most surreal – primarily regarding one of many US’s literary greats
Most pop songs are usually about damaged hearts or getting revenge. However one this yr pays homage to a well-known Victorian literary nice Edgar Allen Poe.
Austria’s Who The Hell is Edgar? by feminine duo Salena and Teya is a nod to the American author famed for his brief tales and detective novels.
The author’s identify is repeated 140 occasions in three minutes. The bridge additionally stands out and there’s undoubtedly a horror theme to the music, one thing that’s befitting of the title.
Finland: Strangest dance strikes
Käärijä from Finland performs music Cha Cha Cha – his favorite dance transfer appears to be the tongue flick
Finland’s Okayäärijä’s Cha Cha Cha is an upbeat rap that can also be one of many bookie’s favourites. Nevertheless it’s not simply the music that is memorable. The 29-year-old Helskini rapper wears tight black leather-based pants with spikes and bares his chest save for a florescent inexperienced shoulder pads.
He enjoys thrusting, erotic squats, a little bit of pole dancing, driving astride his backing singers and his trademark tongue flicking. One your grandma may not approve of.
Serbia: Most relatable
Luke Black, representing Serbia, carries out a lot of his music from an odd alien pod. His music is about sleeping
Luke Black’s music Samo Mi Se Spava is about one thing all of us need to do – sleep. The music repeats, ‘I simply need to sleep endlessly, prefer it higher once I dream’. The lyrics are about escaping the painful actuality of a world of conflict, famine and monsters.
The music was impressed by Luke’s expertise within the pandemic, the place he immersed himself in his mattress and video video games. His stage routine additionally represents the theme – and sees backing dancers put on medical masks and him mendacity in what seems to be a large alien pod.
Spain: Greatest quirky reality
Blanca Paloma of Spain performs throughout a gown rehearsal. Her music is steeped in Flamenco roots, however extra fascinating is the actual fact she as soon as had a duck as a pet
Blanca Paloma of Spain is unlikely to win along with her flamenco quantity EAEA, however she does have an fascinating story. Rising up, she raised a pet duck, bathing him each night time within the tub, drying his feathers with a hairdryer, and going for walks within the park.
Her music offers flamenco a contemporary twist and is filled with syncopated beats. It’s reportedly a celebration of feminine ancestors’ energy and power.
Italy: Greatest-looking performer
Marco Mengoni, consultant for Italy, is big in Italy after profitable X Consider 2009 – however some desire him for his appears
Eurovision is after all in regards to the music, but when there must be a prize for eye-candy, it ought to certainly go to Italy’s Marco Mengoni.
The thirty-four yr outdated shot to fame in 2009 when he gained the Italian model of The X Issue, profitable a €300,000 recording contract and turning into an enormous Italian star.
His music Due Vite is reportedly in regards to the aware and sub-conscious elements of our mind.
Germany: Greatest self-help entry
Lord of the Misplaced of Germany are a heavy metallic band – however their lyrics for his or her Eurovision music are surprisingly tender
Fed up of your motivational self-help books? Then simply hearken to Germany’s Blood and Glitter by Lord of the Misplaced, a metallic band from Hamburg. The efficiency is all hearth, heavy metallic vocals, rocking drums and loud electrical guitar, however the lyrics are surprisingly comforting.
They embody… what we’re is however a alternative and we’re free to interrupt and alter, and ee do fall earlier than we rise, with damaged wings we study to fly. Primarily, it is Brené Brown in Metallica kind.
Switzerland: Most boring lyrics (and music)
Remo Forrer – within the center – is representing Switzerland along with his anti-war ballad some say feels like its from the Best Showman
Switzerland – sadly – already has a status for being boring, and it is Eurovision entry will not assist.
Its music Watergun by Remo Forrer is one other anti-war ballad about ‘about powerlessness within the face of conflicts on this world’.
Its lyrics embody ‘I do not need to be a soldier, I haven’t got to play with actual blood.’
There’s additionally some good ‘ooooh’s. Some say it feels like a traditional from The Best Showman.